DECISION NOTICE FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT THOMPSON AREA GRAZING ALLOTMENTS

Transcription

1 DECISION NOTICE FINDING OF NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT THOMPSON AREA GRAZING ALLOTMENTS U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service Canyon Lakes Ranger District, Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests Larimer County, Colorado INTRODUCTION September 2009 A are provided here. The Decision Notice documents my decision and provides my explanation of the management and reasons I used to make my decision and select an Alternative to implement. The Finding of No Significant Impact presents the reasons why I find this action will not have a significant effect on the human environment and therefore an environmental impact statement will not be prepared. The Thompson Area Grazing Allotments Environmental Assessment (EA), completed for this project, is incorporated by reference to this Decision Notice/Finding of No Significant Impact. The documents the following: Background description of the Thompson Area Grazing Allotments and scope of the analysis; Purpose and need for action; Decision framework; Decision; Decision rationale; Other alternatives considered; Public involvement conducted; A Finding of No Significant Impact; Findings required by other laws and regulations; The implementation date; Administrative review or appeal opportunities; Contact information; My signature and date, as the responsible official; and Appendix A: Thompson Area Grazing Allotments EA Response to Comments The 1997 Revision of the Forest Plan 1, as amended (hereafter referred to as the Forest Plan) and its accompanying Final Environmental Impact Statement are also incorporated by reference in this. 1 USDA Forest Service Revision of the Land and Resource Management Plan, Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland. Rocky Mountain Region, Fort Collins, CO. 405 pp.

2 BACKGROUND The Thompson Area Grazing Allotments are located in the southeastern portion of the Canyon Lakes Ranger District, Larimer County, Colorado (Figure 1); in all or portions of 6th PM: T7N, R71W and R72W; T6N, R71W and R72W; T5N, R71W; T4N, R72W. These five allotments are identified (named) as Baldridge, Cedar Creek, Dunraven, Stone Mountain, and Twin Sisters/Cabin Creek cattle and horse grazing allotments. Combined, National Forest System lands and included private lands, the five allotments encompass approximately 33,827 acres of land. The Baldridge, Cedar Creek, Dunraven, and Stone Mountain Allotments are located northeast of Estes Park, and within the Big Thompson River watershed. The Twin Sisters/Cabin Creek Allotment is located south of Estes Park, with the northern portion of the allotment draining into the Little Thompson River watershed and the southern portion of this allotment draining into the North St. Vrain watershed. The portion of this allotment south of County Road 82 is on the Boulder Ranger District, which has delegated livestock grazing management authority to the Canyon Lakes Ranger District. The decision to authorize livestock grazing has been found by the courts to be a discretionary action that must be evaluated under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), except as otherwise provided by the Rescissions Act of 1995 and other related legislation. In 2008, the Forest Service began analyzing the resource conditions of the Thompson Area Grazing Allotments so new Allotment Management Plans could be developed under the procedures of NEPA. The existing Allotment Management Plans guiding operations on the Thompson Area Grazing Allotments were prepared prior to the completion of the Forest Plan. In this document I will specify my management decision that will provide an opportunity for the Forest Service and permittees to work together to accomplish the purpose and need for action by developing new Allotment Management Plans to implement this Decision, which will bring the allotments into compliance with the Forest Plan. The EA documents the analysis of three alternatives that include action to: 1) continue under current livestock grazing management; 2) no permitted livestock grazing; or 3) permit with an adaptive livestock grazing management process. The three action alternatives were developed to respond to key issues (EA, p ) identified during internal and external scoping. The issues are: 1) livestock grazing impact in riparian areas; 2) compliance with North St. Vrain Research Natural Area/Core Habitat Management Area direction; and 3) allotment boundary adjustments to reflect current livestock grazing management areas. Other non-key issues and concerns (EA, p. 25) were also identified for this project including impacts to: archeological resources, invasive plant species, soil resources, terrestrial and aquatic habitat and species, including management indicator species and threatened, endangered, and sensitive species. These non-key issues did not lead to the development of a separate alternative; however, they were tracked through the analysis and considered in my decision

3 Figure 1. Analysis Area Map - 3 -

4 PURPOSE AND NEED FOR ACTION The purpose of this action is to continue to authorize domestic livestock grazing on all, some portion, or none of the Thompson Area Grazing Allotments. If authorized, livestock grazing of available forage will be managed in a manner that maintains or moves resource conditions toward achieving Forest Plan and project level objectives and desired conditions in a defined timeframe. Permitting of livestock grazing is a discretionary action by the Forest Service. It is Forest Service policy to make forage available to qualified livestock operators from suitable lands for livestock grazing, provided such grazing is consistent with land management plans and the multiple use goals, objectives, standards, and guidelines of the Forest Plan. It is Forest Service policy to contribute to the economic and social well-being of people by providing opportunities for economic diversity and by promoting stability for communities that depend on rangeland resources for their livelihood. In addition, the analysis area contains lands identified as suitable for domestic livestock grazing in the Forest Plan. Although Allotment Management Plans are in place for the Thompson Area Grazing Allotments, they need to be reviewed and updated to determine their effectiveness in meeting or moving toward desired conditions. Since these Allotment Management Plans pre-date the Forest Plan, there is a need to evaluate current management and ascertain whether this management continues to be consistent with Forest Plan standards, guidelines, goals, and objectives. Therefore, it is appropriate to look at these allotments for Forest Plan compliance and any new management opportunities. There is an overall need to analyze the possible effects of continuing or modifying the grazing authorization. There is also an overall need for greater management flexibility to cope with fluctuations in environmental and social conditions including, but not limited to, annual changes in weather; to be responsive to permittee requests for reasonable operational adjustments; and to respond to unforeseen concerns or opportunities. More specifically, the need for this action is tied to any important resource, social, or economic disparity that was found when comparing the existing condition in the analysis area to the Forest Plan and project-specific desired conditions, as determined by the interdisciplinary team and authorized officer on a site-specific basis. The need for action is further defined by the scope of the analysis (i.e. the analysis is limited to evaluating the appropriate level of livestock grazing, given considerations of rangeland and related resource condition and trends, and other Forest Plan goals and objectives). The following table summarizes the desired conditions, the existing conditions, the disparity between the desired and existing conditions resulting in associated needs for action, and indicators of management effectiveness to meet the desired conditions for riparian and rangeland resources. Desired conditions are defined by the Forest Plan or were developed by the interdisciplinary team. Monitoring of desired condition indicators will be conducted on benchmark and key areas as described in EA, Chapter 2 in the monitoring section

5 Table 1. Desired Condition, Existing Condition, Need for Action, and Indicators to Meet Desired Conditions ALLOTMENT DESIRED CONDITON EXISTING CONDITION NEED FOR ACTION INDICATORS TO MEET DESIRED CONDITION RIPARIAN RESOURCES Cedar Creek Riparian areas are in proper functioning condition. Some riparian areas are not in proper functioning condition. Limited developed water sources cause livestock to concentrate near intermittent water in drainages, negatively impacting riparian conditions. Allowable herbaceous use guidelines met annually. Increase in riparian vegetation (extent and condition) and bank cover. Vegetation is effective in maintaining stream channel stability, dissipating energy during peak flows, preventing stream bank erosion, and maintaining water quality. Woody riparian plants are minimal or browse is heavy in some areas of Jug Gulch and Cedar Creek. Vegetative cover in the floodplain is lacking in some places. There is excess removal of woody riparian vegetation in some areas due to duration and frequency of livestock grazing on Cedar Creek and Jug Gulch. Increase in riparian shrub and tree cover and diversity. Adequate plant cover to protect banks and management practices to promote long-term soil productivity through reduced compaction and soil displacement. Signs of soil compaction, displacement (through hummocking and bank failures), and erosion in cattle concentrated use areas (primarily at drainages and along trails with close proximity to drainages). Cattle trailing and frequented use areas along drainages are resulting in compaction, bank failures, and erosion of topsoil. Less exposed areas (those lacking vegetation) along cattle frequented trails that are in close proximity to drainages

6 ALLOTMENT DESIRED CONDITON EXISTING CONDITION NEED FOR ACTION INDICATORS TO MEET DESIRED CONDITION Preble s mouse habitat exists along riparian areas that provide potential Preble s habitat, particularly Cedar Creek and Jug Gulch. Habitat includes a combination of dense riparian vegetation, including grasses, forbs, and shrubs. Field inspections have shown that Preble s habitat conditions are less than desired. Riparian shrub cover/extent could be greater, and shrub form and condition along segments of Cedar Creek and Jug Gulch in particular, show signs of browsing impacts. Same as prior three paragraphs for Cedar Creek. Allowable use guidelines for upland and riparian herbaceous vegetation are met annually. Forest Plan Guideline 91(f) for riparian habitat (Limit utilization of woody plants to 15 to 20 percent of current annual growth) is met annually. Riparian habitat supports individuals and/or populations of Threatened, Endangered, Sensitive, and Proposed species and/or rare plants and rare communities if they occur. Some riparian areas would not currently support Threatened, Endangered, Sensitive, and Proposed species and/or rare plant populations and rare communities if they occur. Sane as first three paragraphs for Cedar Creek. If riparian indicators listed above are met, habitat for Threatened, Endangered, Sensitive, and Proposed species and/or rare plants and plant communities would improve. Existing fish habitat is maintained or improved. Fish exist is several pools in Cedar Creek. Improvement in fish habitat could result from riparian improvements. See above riparian indicators. Dunraven Riparian areas are in proper functioning condition. Some riparian areas are not in proper functioning condition. Limited developed water sources cause livestock to concentrate near intermittent water in drainages, negatively impacting riparian conditions. Allowable herbaceous use guidelines met annually. Increase in riparian vegetation and bank cover

7 ALLOTMENT DESIRED CONDITON EXISTING CONDITION NEED FOR ACTION INDICATORS TO MEET DESIRED CONDITION Adequate plant cover to protect banks and management practices to promote long-term soil productivity through reduced compaction and soil displacement. Signs of soil compaction, displacement (primarily through hummocking), and erosion in cattle concentrated use areas (mostly at drainages) Cattle trailing and frequented use areas along drainages are resulting in compaction, displacement, erosion of topsoil, and some bank failures. Less exposed areas (those lacking vegetation) along cattle frequented trails that are in close proximity to drainages. Preble s mouse habitat exists along riparian areas that provide potential Preble s habitat. Habitat includes a combination of dense riparian vegetation, including grasses, forbs, and shrubs. Field inspections have shown that Preble s habitat conditions are less than desired. Riparian shrub cover/extent could be greater, and shrub form and condition along segments of intermittent streams show signs of browsing impacts. Taller/dense herbaceous vegetation is lacking during the grazing season. Same as prior two paragraphs for Dunraven. Allowable use guidelines for upland and riparian herbaceous vegetation are met annually. Forest Plan Guideline 91(f) for riparian habitat (Limit utilization of woody plants to 15 to 20 percent of current annual growth) is met annually. Riparian habitat supports individuals and/or populations of Threatened, Endangered, Sensitive, and Proposed species and/or rare plants and rare communities if they occur. Some riparian areas would not currently support Threatened, Endangered, Sensitive, and Proposed species and/or rare plant populations and rare communities if they occur. No immediate needs, monitor area as future management practices change. If riparian indicators listed above are met, habitat for Threatened, Endangered, Sensitive, and Proposed and/or rare plants and plant communities would improve

8 ALLOTMENT DESIRED CONDITON EXISTING CONDITION NEED FOR ACTION INDICATORS TO MEET DESIRED CONDITION No fish habitat expected on NFS lands. No fish habitat on NFS lands. No need for action. NA Twin Sisters / Cabin Creek Maintain health of streams and wetlands in allotment, especially if future use is concentrated in northern end of allotment. Meadow and drainages on northern end are currently in good condition, with very little livestock grazing. No immediate needs, monitor area as future management practices change. Continued good riparian/wetland conditions in northern meadow area, lacking livestock concentration sites, especially in wetter areas. Riparian habitat supports individuals and/or populations of Proposed, Threatened, Endangered, and Sensitive species and/or rare plants and rare communities if they occur. Meadow and drainages on northern end are currently in good condition, with very little livestock grazing. No immediate needs, monitor area as future management practices change. Baldridge and Stone Mountain No fish habitat expected on NFS lands. Same as for Cedar Creek and Dunraven Allotments. No fish habitat on NFS lands. Existing conditions are meeting desired conditions for riparian resources. No need for action. No immediate needs, monitor area as future management practices change. NA NA NORTH ST. VRAIN RESEARCH NATURAL AREA (RNA)/CORE HABITATS MANAGEMENT AREA Twin Sisters / Cabin Creek (south of Johnny Park Road on NFS lands) RNA: Designated for research, education, and biodiversity. Grazing in the RNA is currently light in some areas easily accessible by cattle, and not occurring in steep, inaccessible There is a need for best management practices to minimize and limit livestock grazing, and prohibit motorized use south of Decrease in livestock grazing south of Johnny Park Road on NFS lands through inspections and monitoring of key areas by Forest Service personnel and permittee

9 ALLOTMENT DESIRED CONDITON EXISTING CONDITION NEED FOR ACTION INDICATORS TO MEET DESIRED CONDITION areas. No cattle impacts to documented rare plant communities have been observed. Johnny Park Road on NFS lands to comply with Management Area direction for the St. Vrain Research Natural Area and Core Habitat guidelines. Continued lack of grazing impacts to documented rare plant communities in the RNA. Core Habitat: Maintain existing habitats which are shaped primarily through natural processes. One area in the Core Habitat with a rare plant occurrence is receiving at least moderate grazing. Reduced impacts to Core Habitat area with rare plant occurrence. Prohibit motorized use; limited grazing (use to approximate a natural grazing regime for maintaining native vegetation). Motorized use is occurring from adjacent landowners and from permittee administration. RANGELAND RESOURCES Cedar Creek, Dunraven, Twin Sisters / Cabin Creek (additional detail found in EA, Ch 3) Rangeland condition is satisfactory after rangeland project decisions are made and necessary changes to grazing systems and allowable use guidelines have been fully implemented (Forest Plan, Chapter 1, p. 25). Apparent rangeland conditions are fair to good, depending on the resource ecosystem or community type. In addition to resource concerns above: Cedar Creek: upland vegetation could be better utilized (Bobcat fire). Dunraven: dry meadow A flexible livestock grazing management plan that includes the ability to make changes (based on monitoring) to timing, intensity, duration, frequency of use, and distribution is necessary to ensure Forest Plan standards and guidelines are met annually to improve desirable native plant communities and functional riparian On benchmark sites, move trends toward satisfactory range condition within five to ten years of this project decision. Allowable use design criteria met consistently (at least 4 years out of any running 5 year period). Range readiness used on a landscape basis to determine acceptable turn-out dates based on resource condition

10 ALLOTMENT DESIRED CONDITON EXISTING CONDITION NEED FOR ACTION INDICATORS TO MEET DESIRED CONDITION areas lack plant species diversity and abundance. conditions. Improved distribution of cattle. Twin Sisters / Cabin Creek: good mix of native grasses, forbs, shrubs in suitable grazing areas. Baldridge, Stone Mountain (additional detail found in EA, Ch 3) Same as for Cedar Creek, Dunraven, Twin Sisters / Cabin Creek Allotments Apparent rangeland conditions are good and are meeting desired conditions for rangeland resources. No immediate needs, monitor area as future management practices change. NA RANGELAND ADMINISTRATION All Allotments (additional detail found in EA, Ch 3) Allotment boundaries and Term Grazing Permit reflect the area actually planned to be utilized and managed for permitted livestock use. Current allotment boundaries include private land which is no longer managed in conjunction with National Forest System land as part of the current boundary; or lands which are not available for livestock grazing due to natural barriers or fence locations. Current allotment maps and the Term Grazing Permit need to be updated to reflect actual livestock grazing management area. A portion of the current permitted livestock numbers and season are associated with land no longer accessible to grazing. There may be a need to modify the permit to reflect stocking rates associated with actual available rangeland. Appropriate changes to allotment boundary and Term Grazing Permit

11 DECISION FRAMEWORK I have reviewed three potential courses of action (Alternatives 1-3) developed for the project in order to address the following considerations: 1) Whether to permit livestock grazing on the Thompson Area Grazing Allotments and if so at what level and under what design criteria and management prescription; to discontinue permitting livestock on the allotments; or to continue with current management; 2) The need to update Allotment Management Plans; 3) How best to incorporate Forest Plan direction into allotment management; and 4) How best to respond to the issues associated with the proposed action. The Thompson Area Grazing Allotments EA (Chapter 2) provides a complete description of the alternatives and the basis for which they were developed. I have carefully considered the public comments, issues, and documentation of analysis for the proposed action and alternative courses of action. Appendix A of this Decision Notice summarizes my responses to the public comments received on the EA. It is my determination that the issues have been addressed and the assessment is adequate to move forward with a decision. DECISION Based upon my review of the alternatives, I have decided to select Alternative 3 (EA, pp ). Alternative 3 continues grazing on the allotments based on developing new Allotment Management Plans, incorporating adaptive management that will provide the Forest Service and permittees the flexibility to change either stock numbers or season of use (or a combination) annually, if necessary within the permit limits to meet desired conditions and management objectives. Unless otherwise noted, only minor editorial changes were made to the text of Alternative 3 (EA, pp ) in this document. Alternative 3 implements best management grazing practices and associated activities with adaptive management and available monitoring strategies to: Continue authorizing livestock grazing on suitable lands within the analysis area, Resolve any disparities between current and desired conditions (Table 1), and Provide the authorized officer, working with the livestock grazing permittees, the best opportunities to adjust management to meet the needs and desired conditions on the ground based upon applied management and monitoring results. Alternative 3 incorporates design criteria and adaptive management options (EA, pp ) for the Thompson Area Grazing Allotments, including boundary adjustments as identified (Figure 2). Measures associated with implementing Alternative 3 include monitoring as described in the EA (pp ) and below. Monitoring will occur over the life of the permit, with evaluation of the results by the Forest Service to make appropriate adjustments in management, as needed, to ensure adequate progress towards Forest Plan desired conditions. If the allowable use guidelines are not being met on an annual basis, management will be reevaluated to continue the current

12 action or to follow another course of action described as adaptive options, as provided in Alternative 3 (EA, pp ) and described below. In this decision I am authorizing the following items: Alternative 3, also referred to as the proposed action, has been developed to meet the purpose and need for action as described in Chapter 1 of the EA. The proposed action has been designed to respond to the key issues. Alternative 3 is expected to result in improved riparian conditions, compliance with standards and guidelines for the North St. Vrain Research Natural Area and Core Habitats management area on the Twin Sisters/Cabin Creek Allotment, changes in allotment boundaries to reflect actual livestock grazing management areas (Figure 2), and promote satisfactory rangeland conditions for long-term sustainability and future livestock grazing. Implementation of this alternative will be through re-issuance of Term Grazing Permits and updating of the Allotment Management Plans. This alternative is based on the principle of adaptive management, a process that uses focused monitoring information to determine if management is meeting or making satisfactory movement toward desired conditions, or if changes are needed to meet or move existing resource conditions toward desired conditions. Adaptive management is a process that allows the Forest Service to manage for changing conditions and new information over time. It gives the authorized officer the flexibility to adapt to change within the constraints imposed by this decision. As long as implementation continues to remain within the scope of the analysis, the authorized officer may choose to implement adaptive changes. If a needed change has not been evaluated within the EA, additional NEPA analysis and decisions may be necessary. Implementation of this alternative requires selecting a set of design criteria and adaptive management practices that will best meet or effectively lead to the desired conditions as outlined in Table 1. Monitoring will occur over time, and the Forest Service will make appropriate adjustments in management practices (design criteria), as needed, to ensure adequate progress toward desired conditions. All adaptive management options available were analyzed under the EA and adopted for potential future use. The proposed action will implement the following design criteria and adaptive management options if needed on the Thompson Area Grazing Allotments and will be incorporated into new Term Grazing Permits and Allotment Management Plans. In the planning and implementation of management activities, the Forest Service uses many design criteria to reduce or prevent negative impacts on the environment. The application of these design criteria begins at the planning and design phase of a project. The Forest Plan standards and guidelines, the direction contained in the Watershed Conservation Practices Handbook 2, and specific items to be incorporated into the permit are identified below. All applicable direction from these two sources is incorporated by reference and can be found in the 2 USDA Forest Service Handbook Watershed Conservation Practices Region 2 Amendment Denver, CO

13 EA, Appendix A. Other specific design criteria were developed by the interdisciplinary team to respond to identified issues and management needs. The design criteria below have been used on this Forest or are commonly used practices, as supported by practical experience and best available science, throughout the West and have been found to be effective in reducing and managing potential livestock grazing impacts. References below to permittee include the Term Grazing Permit holder, agent, herder, rider, or employee. References below to permitted livestock apply to animals authorized under a Grazing Permit and are not intended to refer to recreation livestock, animals authorized under special use permits, or outfitter-and-guide livestock. Design Criteria Common to All Allotments: Livestock grazing, on average, will occur from spring through fall, seldom occurring before May 15 or later than October 31. Annual climatic fluctuations and/or changes in vegetative condition (such as by fire, flood, or hail) may result in an annual modification of authorized numbers, animal class, and/or seasons of use, within the authorized stocking rate. Livestock will be intensively managed in order to meet site-specific requirements as follows: o In selected functional-at-risk stream reaches, there will be at least six inches of stubble height on tall sedges at the end of each grazing season, or at the end of the growing season, whichever is later. Key areas are identified in Table 5. In key riparian areas that are properly functioning, there will be at least four inches of stubble height on tall sedges at the end of each grazing season, or at the end of the growing season, whichever is later. o Allowable utilization on satisfactory rangelands will be 45%. Livestock will be moved to another area/pasture or removed from the allotment if allowable use design criteria are met at any time during the grazing season on any key area of the allotment. Livestock will be removed from the allotment at the end of the authorized grazing season or as determined by the Forest Service to meet resource needs. Livestock will be authorized to enter the allotment as resource conditions and vegetative growth (range readiness) allow, ensuring that soil conditions are dry enough to withstand livestock use. o At least five days prior to turn-out on the allotment, the permittee will contact the Forest Service to verify that the range is ready for livestock grazing and all required maintenance has been performed to standard. Riding/herding will be used to improve distribution across the allotment. Permittee will ride and/or herd cattle as much as necessary. At a minimum, this will be done weekly to move livestock away from concern areas (riparian areas, key areas) and into areas of normally light use, unless otherwise authorized by the Forest Officer. The permittee will provide completed logs showing riding and/or herding to the Forest Officer at the end of each grazing season. o Permittee is encouraged to use low-stress livestock handling practices when herding cattle on the allotment (EA, Appendix B)

14 Salt and supplement will be used to encourage livestock to use secondary range and assist in improving distribution across the allotment. o Salt and supplement (e.g. low-moisture blocks) will be used and placed on rocky knolls, well-drained sites or in timber where trampling will not impact plant growth. o As utilization patterns develop, salt and supplement will be moved to areas where forage has not been grazed, or where it has been grazed lightly to draw livestock toward or away from specific areas. o In no case will salt or supplement be placed within ¼ mile of riparian areas, live water, developed water resources, or key areas, without specific prior approval by the Forest Officer. Permittee is responsible for maintaining fences and water developments to standard and timeliness as stated in the Term Grazing Permit and Allotment Management Plan. Permittee is responsible for following Weed Free Forage Products Order Number: R (Appendix C). o Before hay or straw is used on the permitted area, it must be approved by the Forest Officer, and be certified noxious weed-free or noxious weed-seed-free, or shall consist of heat treated pelletized feeds. o If livestock are moving onto National Forest System lands from areas containing infestations of noxious weeds, provide noxious weed-free feed to livestock for several days prior to moving them onto the allotment to reduce the introduction of new invaders and spread of existing noxious weed species. Consider using transitional pastures when moving animals from noxious weed infested areas to National Forest System lands. o Reduce ground disturbance where necessary by considering changes in the timing, intensity, duration or frequency of livestock use; location and changes in salt grounds; restoration or protection of watering sites; and restoration of yarding/loafing areas, corrals, and other areas of concentrated livestock use. o Any seed used on the allotment will be tested for all states noxious weeds according to Association of Official Seed Analysts (AOSA) standards and will be certified by a Registered Seed Technologist or Seed Analyst as meeting the requirements of the Federal Seed Act (7 U.S.C. Chapter 37: Sections ) and the Rules and Regulations of the Colorado Seed Act pursuant to through 125, C.R.S. (1993 Supp. as amended by Senate Bill 93-17). o For more information on weed-free forage and links to noxious weed information for the state of Colorado, see the following link: Dead livestock will be moved to a location greater than 200 feet from water, out of view of roads and trails, and away from any areas of public use. The permittee must carry out the Term Grazing Permit provisions, other instructions, or both as issued by the Forest Officer for the allotment and require employees, agents, contractors, sub-contractors to do likewise (Forest Service Handbook and Term Grazing Permit, Part 1 - Section 3 and Part 2 - Section 8 (a-h)). Allotment boundaries will be adjusted to reflect actual livestock grazing management areas between National Forest System lands and intermingled private lands. The

15 permittee will manage permitted livestock within the new allotment boundaries (Figure 2). Any Threatened, Endangered, Sensitive, or Proposed species or other plant species of local concern found within the Thompson Area Grazing Allotments prior to or during project implementation may be excluded from grazing to remove or reduce adverse impacts to occurrences. These protective measures may be included in the Allotment Management Plans. If undetected fens, wetlands, or wet meadows are encountered within the Thompson Area Grazing Allotments, consultation with a botanist will occur immediately to mitigate impacts to the sensitive area, and/or to monitor for future grazing impacts if none are currently occurring. Sites proposed for new water developments, fences, or other ground disturbing activities will be surveyed by a botanist or botany technicians prior to construction to determine the presence of Threatened, Endangered, Sensitive, or Proposed or rare plant species. If target species are found, the botanist will coordinate with range management staff in order to avoid or minimize impacts to sensitive or rare plants. If sensitive amphibian habitat (i.e. breeding sites) is detected within the Thompson Area Allotments, an assessment of grazing impacts will be conducted and actions to maintain and protect the habitat will be taken, if deemed necessary. These may include: restricting livestock use from the area by herding, or fencing the breeding site to exclude grazing use. Sites proposed for new water developments, fences, or other ground disturbing activities will be surveyed by an archaeologist to determine the presence of cultural resources. If significant cultural resources are found, the archaeologist will coordinate with range management staff to move the location of the development in order to avoid or minimize impacts to cultural resources. Based on monitoring results occurring over time, the Forest Service will make appropriate adjustments in management practices (design criteria), as needed, to ensure adequate progress toward desired conditions. When design criteria management is not adequate in meeting or moving toward the desired resource conditions, then the following adaptive management options will be used either alone or in combination to best meet, or move toward the desired resource conditions within an overall timeframe of ten years (life of Term Grazing Permit). The Forest Officer will decide which adaptive management option to implement. Adaptive Management Options Common to All Allotments: After three to five years, if monitoring results indicate that resource conditions are either not meeting, or exceeding, desired resource conditions then modify the number of animals and/or the season of use as reflected in the Annual Operating Instructions and/or Term Grazing Permit, as needed. Additional adaptive management options to be implemented as needed: o Incorporate supplementary riding/herding from riparian areas. o Defer livestock turn-on date. o Rest from livestock grazing for one or more seasons. o Control livestock distribution patterns by constructing temporary electric fence

16 o Control livestock distribution patterns by constructing permanent fence (e.g. cross fence). o Construct fence to exclude livestock from areas of concern. o Reconstruct existing non-operational fence line. o Implement a different or modified grazing system (deferred, rest-rotation, etc.). o Implement multiple unit rotation with permittee s private land. If the permittee voluntarily decides to waive the permit back to the government, then the allotment could remain vacant or become a forage reserve allotment 3. Design Criteria and Adaptive Management Options Specific to Each Allotment: In addition to the design criteria and adaptive management options common to all allotments as described above, the following design criteria and adaptive management options specific to each allotment will also apply. Baldridge Allotment: Livestock grazing will be managed to maintain the current satisfactory rangeland conditions for long-term sustainability and future livestock grazing. Design Criteria specific to Baldridge Allotment: Permitted numbers will reflect average or normal use of 25 head for 4 months, but a change in authorized numbers, animal class, and/or seasons of use may occur annually due to annual climatic fluctuations and/or changes in vegetative condition (such as by fire, flood, or hail). Adaptive Management Options specific to Baldridge Allotment: o If monitoring indicates that riparian or rangeland resources are not meeting or moving towards desired conditions in key areas, then Work with permittee to determine appropriate management or mitigations. Cedar Creek Allotment: Livestock grazing will be managed to reduce impacts to riparian areas along Cedar Creek and Jug Gulch, to improve potential Preble s habitat and other riparian associated species, to better utilize upland vegetation in the Bobcat burn areas, and to promote satisfactory rangeland conditions for long-term sustainability and future livestock grazing. Design Criteria specific to Cedar Creek Allotment: Permitted numbers will reflect average or normal use of 35 head for 2 months on 63% National Forest System lands, but a change in authorized numbers, animal class, and/or seasons of use may occur annually due to annual climatic fluctuations and/or changes in vegetative condition (such as by fire, flood, or hail). Identify and develop one or two new water sources in the following areas 4 : o Dry Creek: NE corner of Sec 19. o South Cedar Creek location (NE4 Sec 31 near sawmill). In no case will salt or supplement be placed within ¼ mile of Cedar Creek. 3 USDA Forest Service Forest Service Handbook Grazing Permit Administration Handbook. Chapter 10 Permits with Term Status, Section Amendment No.: Effective Date: June 8, Water sources not shown on Figure 2 as a final determination on number and location has not been made

17 Adaptive Management Options specific to Cedar Creek Allotment: o After three to five years, if monitoring results indicate that improved watershed conditions are not occurring along Cedar Creek and Jug Gulch (i.e. riparian conditions should be more similar to those downstream of Cow Camp), then: Implement watershed improvement projects, including strategic fence locations, to accelerate riparian condition recovery in Cedar Creek. o If monitoring indicates that livestock distribution is still not adequate, identify and develop one additional water source as needed to aid in livestock distribution. Dunraven Allotment: Livestock grazing will be managed to reduce impacts to watershed conditions in draws and intermittent drainages, to improve potential Preble s habitat, and to promote satisfactory rangeland conditions for long-term sustainability and future livestock grazing. Design Criteria specific to Dunraven Allotment: Permitted numbers will reflect average or normal use of 24 head for 4.8 months on 48% National Forest System lands, but a change in authorized numbers, animal class, and/or seasons of use may occur annually due to annual climatic fluctuations and/or changes in vegetative condition (such as by fire, flood, or hail). Identify and develop one new water source in the following potential areas: o On NFS lands: NE4 Sec 36; or o On NFS lands or private land: main drainage in Sec 31; or o On NFS lands or private land: SW4 Sec 32 drainage; or o On private land within the allotment as determined by the permittee; such as SW4 Sec 25, or N2 Sec 31, or tank in drainage SW4 Sec 33. Construct drift fence on SE corner of allotment to better utilize uplands in Section 4. Construct one exclosure in an intermittent tributary as a study area to monitor recovery. Changes will be monitored in the fenced area as compared to the non-fenced area and then determined what changes are needed in the non-fenced area after one to three years. Adaptive Management Options specific to Dunraven Allotment: o After three years, if monitoring results indicate that improved watershed conditions are not occurring (i.e. more riparian vegetation in wet areas and on the banks of creeks in drainages): Change the number of animals and/or the season of use as reflected in the Annual Operating Instructions and/or Term Grazing Permit: If allowable use guidelines are not met in two out of three years, then reduce the number of animals and/or the season of use by at least 15%. Based on monitoring results and resource concerns at that time, it may be necessary to reduce the number of animals and/or the season of use by more than 15%. Identify and develop an additional water source in one of the areas described above 5 : 5 Water sources not shown on Figure 2 as a final determination on number and location has not been made

18 If an adequate location is found that will be effective in improving livestock distribution, then this option may be implemented in lieu of a reduction in the number of animals and/or the season of use. Implement watershed improvement projects to accelerate recovery in drainages. Repair/rebuild cross-fence in Sec 31 to control east-west movement. Stone Mountain Allotment: Livestock grazing will be managed to maintain the current satisfactory rangeland conditions for long-term sustainability. Design Criteria specific to Stone Mountain Allotment: Permitted numbers will reflect average or normal use of 5 head for 3 months on 36% National Forest System lands, but a change in authorized numbers, animal class, and/or seasons of use may occur annually due to annual climatic fluctuations and/or changes in vegetative condition (such as by fire, flood, or hail). Adaptive Management Options specific to Stone Mountain Allotment: o If monitoring indicates that riparian or rangeland resources are not meeting or moving towards desired conditions, then Work with permittee to determine appropriate management or mitigations. Twin Sisters / Cabin Creek Allotment: Livestock grazing will be managed to comply with Management Area direction for the St. Vrain Research Natural Area and Core Habitat standards and guidelines south of Johnny Park Road on National Forest System lands; and to promote satisfactory rangeland conditions for long-term sustainability and future livestock grazing. Design Criteria specific to Twin Sisters / Cabin Creek Allotment: Permitted numbers will reflect average or normal use of 36 head for 2.7 months on 90% National Forest System lands, but a change in authorized numbers, animal class, and/or seasons of use may occur annually due to annual climatic fluctuations and/or changes in vegetative condition (such as by fire, flood, or hail). Use best management practices to minimize and limit livestock grazing south of Johnny Park Road on National Forest System lands to comply with Management Area direction for Research Natural Area and Core Habitat management areas: o Non-motorized weekly herding will be required south of Johnny Park Road to move livestock north of Johnny Park Road. o In no case will salt or supplement be placed south of Johnny Park Road. o Salt and supplement will be used to encourage livestock to use the northern part of the allotment. o Turnout livestock north of House Rock at the beginning of the season, when feasible or when determined by the Annual Operating Instructions. Conduct botany surveys south of Johnny Park Road on National Forest System lands managed by the Boulder Ranger District during the appropriate growing season for the target plant species, focusing primarily on two areas: the aspen grove and adjacent meadow and creek located near the boundary between National Forest and private land,

19 which provide habitat for several sensitive and rare plant species; and the south side of Deer Ridge in the Research Natural Area, where several rare plant communities are located. Adaptive Management Options specific to Twin Sisters / Cabin Creek Allotment: o After three to five years, if monitoring results indicate livestock grazing is not being limited or minimized south of Johnny Park Road in the Research Natural Area, then identify strategic location and construct a drift fence to discourage livestock grazing in the Research Natural Area. o After three to five years, if monitoring results indicate increased livestock grazing north of House Rock is adversely impacting riparian areas, then: Identify and develop an additional water source in Section 19, 20, or 30 north of House Rock to improve distribution and encourage use away from the Pierson Park meadow. Monitoring Under Alternative 3, monitoring provides the Forest Officer with the rationale and flexibility to adapt livestock grazing management to changing conditions. If monitoring results indicate concerns with meeting design criteria or in meeting or moving toward desired conditions, adjustments will be made using one or more of the livestock grazing management adaptive options as described above. Monitoring includes both Forest-level and project-level analysis and evaluation. Forest-level monitoring is discussed at length in Chapter IV of the Forest Plan and is not reiterated here. Project-level monitoring is the focus of this section of the EA. Monitoring is intended to be rapid, practical, cost-effective, answer specific questions, and to affect on the ground management. Monitoring techniques are designed to be commensurate with the level of livestock grazing use and the complexity of the overall analysis area situation. The techniques and protocols listed in the Rangeland Analysis and Management Training Guide 6 and Watershed Conservation Practices Handbook 9 will be used as the basis for monitoring vegetation. Monitoring at the allotment scale is used for the following: Determining the effectiveness of management practices. Determining compliance with the Term Grazing Permit and Annual Operating Instructions. Determining whether a site is meeting, moving toward, or away from desired conditions. Documenting rangeland condition. Affecting management decisions within an adaptive management framework (i.e. determining when threshold levels have been met or exceeded prompting management action). Increasing the accuracy of livestock grazing capacity estimates

20 Determining the effects of livestock grazing on natural resources. Benchmark and key areas are relatively small parts of the analysis area that can represent much larger areas. Benchmark areas are the sites where long-term or effectiveness monitoring occurs. Key areas are those areas where short-term or implementation monitoring occurs. Key areas are monitored annually to determine when a threshold (such as allowable use) has been reached. Benchmark and key areas can change, as needed, depending on such factors as annual weather fluctuations or past permittee compliance history. The areas chosen are representative locations that are sensitive to management changes and can be used to make management decisions for a much larger area, typically located in an area of concern (for all resources) to the Forest Service, where cattle utilization occurs and future management decisions can be developed. See EA, Table 5 for locations of benchmark and key areas. A number of attributes may be monitored. Attributes may be related to vegetation, hydrology, riparian zones, or desired condition; or they may be specific plant or animal species surveys. Examples of vegetative attributes that may be monitored include herbaceous production, cover, frequency, and species composition. Examples of riparian or hydrological attributes that may be monitored include proper functioning condition, width-to-depth ratio, bank stability, channel cross section, greenline, water quality, erosion, and sediment load. Two basic types of monitoring are expected to occur in the analysis area: 1) implementation monitoring, and 2) effectiveness monitoring, which are discussed in more detail in the EA p The following table displays planned monitoring. In addition, any of the monitoring techniques from the Rangeland Analysis and Management Training Guide 6 (or other established techniques) may also be used alone or in combination. As new techniques become available, they may also be incorporated as a monitoring method. 6 USDA Forest Service Rangeland Analysis and Management Training Guide. Rocky Mountain Region. Denver, CO. August

21 Table 2. Monitoring (short-term and long-term) IMPLEMENTATION (SHORT-TERM) MONITORING* All Allotments All Allotments, except Stone Mountain All Allotments, except Stone Mountain Monitoring Item Frequency By Whom Objective Permit and Annual Operating Instruction Compliance (on/off dates, improvement maintenance, movement/distribution of livestock, etc.) Range Readiness Allowable use guidelines Annually Forest Service Range Annually on a landscape basis Annually or more/less frequently depending on resource concerns Forest Service Range; and/or Permittee Forest Service Range; and Permittee EFFECTIVENESS (LONG-TERM) MONITORING* Monitoring Item Frequency By Whom Objective Cedar Creek, Dunraven, Twin Sisters/Cabin Creek Cedar Creek, Dunraven Range Resource Trend: Cover-Frequency Transect Riparian/Aquatic Resource Trend: Proper Functioning Condition Once within 3 years of this analysis, another in conjunction with next analysis Once within 5 years of this analysis, another in conjunction with next analysis Forest Service Range Forest Service Watershed, Fisheries, and/or Range Permittee compliance with terms and conditions of Term Grazing Permit. Minimize impacts to allow for: - improved riparian conditions. - satisfactory rangeland conditions. Trends are meeting or are moving towards satisfactory range condition within 5-10 years of this project decision. Improve trend in riparian resource and aquatic habitat conditions within 10 years

22 Cedar Creek, Dunraven Preble s/riparian Habitat Trend: Visual inspection with photopoints Twice within the first 5 years, and a third time in years 6-10 after analysis / permit reauthorization Forest Service - Wildlife Improved trend in Preble s/riparian habitat within first 5 years following this analysis. Twin Sisters / Cabin Creek Meadow/riparian habitat Trend: (north of House Rock) Visual inspection, establish and monitor photopoints Twice within the first 5 years, and a third time in years 6-10 after analysis / permit reauthorization Forest Service Wildlife and Watershed, and/or Range *Note: For more specific monitoring criteria for Dunraven, see Adaptive Management Options specific to Dunraven Allotment section above. Continued good riparian / meadow conditions in northern meadow areas, especially in wetter areas

23 Figure 2. Alternative 3 Map